Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the dark mouth of a sea cave? Are you curious about the mysterious creatures that live within? Ocean Quest Adventure Resort has added a new offering to their Close Encounter Tours: 2 guides, 3 hours, 4 boats, 8 lights, 12 people, and 24 fins – it’s time to go swimming in the dark!

I never win things. It’s not from a lack of trying, because believe me I try. In fact, I try harder than most. Here’s why: I love free stuff – doesn’t matter how big or how small, if it’s free, it’s fantastic. A couple of weeks ago, Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism held a giveaway during their annual Whale Week celebration – the prize was a massive whale-watching excursion for two, compliments of Air Canada and Maxxim Vacations.

It was another beautiful, sunny day in the capital city as I donned my life jacket and skirt for a kayaking adventure with The Outfitters. Had I already been kayakingtwice this summer? You betcha! Was this trip just like the others? Absolutely not. This was unlike any tour I had experienced. I’m talking middle of the ocean, paddling into sea caves, being followed by whales – this was Newfoundland adventure at it’s finest.

It was one of those perfect summer days: the sun was shining, the birds chirping, and there wasn't a breath of wind. "We're going to Ferryland!" I exclaimed - my partner in crime and photographer was happy to oblige. Founded by Lord Baltimore in 1621, Ferryland is not only one of the most historic communities in Newfoundland, but in all of North America. Not a history buff? That's okay, Ferryland boasts some of the best coastal views in all of Newfoundland.

As I sat in my kayak, gently bobbing in the water, sun warming my face, I almost feel the need to pinch myself – directly in front of me was a massive, sparkling iceberg. “This is amazing!” yells my partner, seated in the back of our tandem boat, and it was. Not many can say they spent their Sunday paddling around two 10,000 year old giants – but Ocean Quest Adventure Resort made it possible.

The Outfitters opened their doors at 220 Water Street in 1998 and have grown to become a leader in Newfoundland and Labrador supplying specialty clothing and equipment for self propelled outdoor adventures. But the storefront is just the starting point - this is where they prepare you for your next adventure - and trust me, their commitment to their customers extends far beyond the sales counter. I sat down with Jonathan Simon who's in charge of their Marketing and Communications to talk about the business of adventure in Newfoundland.

On Thursday, August 1 we headed to Gros Morne National Park to check out some of their new offerings. First up was a “Yaffle of Chores” which takes place at Broom Point. This programme is part of Experience Gros Morne which runs from June 28 to September 2 and covers a range of activities from guided hikes to nature interpretation. A “Yaffle of Chores” is a new programme that was started this year.

Every day I come across dozens of inspiring photos and videos of travellers making their way across the province, happily ticking items off their bucket list one by one. From kayaking with whales, to eating chunks of glacial ice, to seeing the odd moose or two, in Newfoundland & Labrador, it’s pretty easy to check off a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

I wouldn’t call myself a kayaker. I prefer paddling a canoe, even if I do have to portage now and then. But I also wouldn’t consider myself a canoe snob either. Any soft-path vessel is fine by me as long as it gets me into a wilderness area.

If you recall, our last stop was in North West River. Although we had tentatively planned to leave there mid day, I often lose sight of time when I follow my nose so it was dusk when we bid farewell to this region and hit that long long (albeit relatively new) road to Cartwright. Did I say that road was long? I should have known we wouldn’t get there before midnight.

“Elvis and Mavis” has many themes that will resonate with people from Newfoundland where the tug of the big city dreams runs full tilt into the living in the province’s rural areas. And in the 1990’s when this play is set, the cod fishery is gone so trying to earn a living in Newfoundland’s outports is harder than ever. Elvis (Colin Furlong) has just lost his job at the Roddickton fish plant and is frustrated with the general loss of control of Newfoundland’s resources so he decides to blow up the dam at Churchill Falls unless the unfair contract with Quebec can be renegotiated.

The autumn colours are usually at their peak over the Thanksgiving weekend in western Newfoundland but this year they seem to be lasting longer. Over the past few days we have been out kayaking down the Humber River and hiking through the fall splendour in the Humber Valley.

This is the iceberg season that just won't stop! The Petermann Ice Island which I wrote about in several earlier posts in mid August, 2011 is now making its appearance closer to Corner Brook. Not long after we were in St. Anthony the ice island drifted to the south and broke in half. These 2 pieces have been spawning icebergs that have now drifted into the Hampden area of White Bay.

At 7:30 am on Sunday August 13, 2011, I peered out the window at the Hotel North in St. Anthony and the fog was so thick I couldn’t see across the parking lot. “I guess our 9:00 am boat trip is going to be scrubbed,” I told my wife Heather. But a few minutes later she pulled back the curtains and said she could see across the harbour.

Saturday Stan and I had the good fortune to share some time with a humpback whale in Bull Arm. It had surfaced next to Stan about 200 metres away and before I knew it the whale was under me. I could see the white flippers in the waters beneath my kayak and motioned to Stan to come.